2001 Mitsubishi Mirage Fuel Pump Relay Location: Your Complete Guide to Finding and Fixing It
The bottom line: The fuel pump relay on a 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage is located inside the passenger cabin, behind the center console, near the gas pedal area. It is mounted on a small metal plate alongside the multiport fuel injection (MFI) relay, and you can access it by removing a small panel below the radio and near the shifter.
If your 2001 Mirage cranks but won't start, the fuel pump relay is one of the first things you should check before assuming the fuel pump itself is bad. A failed relay is a much cheaper and easier fix than replacing the entire fuel pump, and it can mimic the exact same symptoms.
Why the Fuel Pump Relay Matters
The fuel pump relay acts as an electrical switch that controls power to the fuel pump. When you turn the ignition key to the "ON" position, the relay closes and sends battery voltage to the fuel pump. If this relay fails, the fuel pump won't run, and your engine won't get the fuel it needs to start.
Many owners jump straight to replacing the fuel pump when their car won't start, but the relay is a much cheaper and easier fix. A blown fuse or a failed relay can mimic the symptoms of a dead fuel pump, so diagnosing the relay first can save you time and money.
Exact Location of the 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage Fuel Pump Relay
The fuel pump relay in a 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage is located inside the passenger cabin, behind the center console. This is a common location for both the 1.5L and 1.8L engine models. Here's how to find it:
Step 1: Access the center console area. You need to get to the area behind the center console, near where the shifter is located. There is a small panel near the gas pedal that covers part of the center bottom of the dash. This panel has one screw and one push-point retainer.
Step 2: Remove the panel. Remove the screw and the push-point retainer. Pull the bottom left corner of the panel toward the gas pedal and pull down on the panel at the same time. This will allow you to see behind the panel.
Step 3: Locate the relay. Behind this panel, you will find two wiring clips attached to something. This something is the fuel pump relay and the injector relay. They are mounted on a plate that uses a single 10mm bolt to hold it in place. Remove the bolt, and the plate comes out.
Step 4: Identify the correct relay. The fuel pump relay is one of two relays mounted on that plate. The other relay is the multiport fuel injection (MFI) relay. If you are unsure which is which, your vehicle's wiring diagram will show the correct identification. Some owners have also reported finding the fuel pump relay in the fuse box under the dashboard on the driver's side. This variation depends on the specific trim level and engine configuration of your Mirage. If you can't find it behind the center console, check the under-dash fuse box near the driver's left knee.
What About the Engine Compartment Fuse Box?
While the 2001 Mirage has a fuse box in the engine compartment next to the battery, the fuel pump relay is not typically located there. The engine compartment fuse box contains the main fuses and relays for the cooling fans, starter, and other high-current systems, but the fuel pump relay is inside the cabin.
However, you should still check the fuses in the engine compartment first. Although none of them are marked "fuel pump," the 100 amp fuse with a symbol of an engine, if blown, will cause the fuel pump to not run. This is a quick check that can save you a lot of troubleshooting.
Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump Relay
Before you start pulling panels off your Mirage, here are the common signs that point to a failing fuel pump relay:
1. Engine cranks but won't start. This is the most common symptom. You turn the key, the starter motor spins the engine, but the engine never fires up. If you don't hear a faint whirring sound from the rear of the car when you turn the key to "ON," the fuel pump may not be getting power.
2. No fuel pressure at the rail. If you have a fuel pressure gauge, connect it to the fuel rail. Turn the ignition to "ON" and watch for pressure. If you get no pressure reading, the pump is not running.
3. Silent fuel pump. When you turn the key to the "ON" position (but not to "START"), you should hear the fuel pump prime for about 2-3 seconds. If you hear nothing, the relay or the pump itself is likely the issue.
4. Intermittent stalling or hard starting. A failing relay can work sometimes and fail other times. If your Mirage occasionally stalls or is hard to start when hot, the relay could be the culprit.
How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay
Testing the relay is straightforward and requires only a few basic tools:
Test 1: The Swap Test. This is the easiest method. The fuel pump relay is typically the same type of relay used for other systems in your car, such as the horn relay or the starter relay. Find a relay with the same part number and swap it with the fuel pump relay. If the car starts, you have found the problem.
Test 2: Listen for the Click. When you turn the key to the "ON" position, you should hear a distinct click from the relay as it energizes. If you don't hear the click, the relay may not be receiving power, or the relay itself is faulty.
Test 3: Use a Multimeter. If you have a multimeter, you can test the relay for continuity. Apply 12 volts to the coil terminals of the relay (pins 85 and 86). You should hear a click and measure continuity between the switched terminals (pins 30 and 87). If you don't get continuity, the relay is bad.
Wiring Diagram Information for the 2001 Mirage
According to the wiring diagrams for the 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage, the fuel pump relay is clearly listed as a component located behind the center console. For the 1.8L engine models, the fuel pump relay is identified as being behind the center console, along with fuel pump relay 2, which is located behind the right side of the glove box.
The wiring diagram also shows that the fuel pump relay is connected to a dedicated fuse 6 (15 amp) in the engine compartment relay box. If you have checked the relay and it seems fine, the next step is to check this fuse. It is located in the engine compartment relay box, which is near the battery.
Additional Troubleshooting Tips
If you have replaced the fuel pump relay and checked the fuses, but the car still won't start, there are a few other things to check:
Check the fuel pump itself. The fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank. You can test for power at the fuel pump connector. If you have power at the connector but the pump doesn't run, the pump is likely bad.
Check the engine control module (ECM). The ECM controls the ground circuit for the fuel pump relay. If the ECM is not receiving the correct signals from the crankshaft position sensor or other sensors, it may not ground the relay, and the pump won't run.
Check for a blown fusible link. The 2001 Mirage has a fusible link in the engine compartment that protects the fuel pump circuit. If this fusible link is blown, the fuel pump will not receive power.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Replacing the fuel pump without checking the relay first. This is the most common mistake. A failed relay is much cheaper and easier to replace than a fuel pump. Always test the relay first.
2. Ignoring the fuses. A blown fuse can cause the same symptoms as a bad relay. Check the fuses in both the engine compartment and the interior fuse box before replacing any components.
3. Using the wrong relay. Make sure you use the correct relay for your Mirage. Some relays may look the same but have different internal wiring. Always check the part number before buying a replacement.
4. Forgetting to check the ground. A poor ground connection can cause the relay to fail intermittently. Check the ground points for the fuel pump circuit, especially the ground points near the center console and the right kick panel.
KEMSO Fuel Pump: High-Performance Replacement for Your Mirage
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